On Model 29's I have a 6.5 inch barrel and (2) with 6 inch barrels. I can talk about the longer tube because I have a 629 with 8 3/8 inch barrel which is the same gun in stainless. I also like long tube guns very much with the 8 3/8 inch barrel as I have a 27-2, 14-4, 17-4 in the 8 3/8 barrel length. On the model 29/629 I prefer the shorter barrel lengths of 6.5 or 6 inch better because I think they balance better in the hand and the 6.5 inch barrel still gives you a great sight radius and sight picture.